STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Staten Island businesses are being left out in the cold this winter due to the nearly 60 inches snow that has blanketed the borough in the last three months -- much of which is prohibiting people from patronizing local retailers.

In fact, many merchants -- from bars owners to fitness instructors -- say business is down by as much as 50 percent. For this reason, they are pleading with Mother Nature to put an end to the constant cold front.

"Because of the cold people are afraid to venture out, and business owners have suffered an economic loss...This has greatly affected the walk-in traffic for small businesses," he added.

Said Linda Baran, president of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce,
"Business at this time of year is usually slower. So depending on what
type of business it is, some are seeing an impact."

Business leaders say the winter not only has affected businesses' ability
to open and draw in customers, but has also hindered growth
opportunities.

"Because of the snow many networking events and seminars have been
canceled or postponed, and this has affected businesses' opportunity for education and advancement," said Balsamini.

Michele Guccione, a fitness instructor and owner of MPower Fitness in Ocean Breeze, said many of her regular clients have found themselves snowed in and unable to get to class this Winter.

"For people who look for an excuse to not exercise, snow is a big one," she said, noting business has decreased by about 30 to 40 percent from this time last year.

"A lot of people are afraid to come out because of the ice and lack of parking. Some of my clients have gotten hurt shoveling, and now they can't exercise...The weather is taking a big toll on fitness studios," added Ms. Guccione.

However, she's hoping many clients will get "cabin fever," and return once the snow clears.

"After a while they come back; usually after a storm they come back in droves," she added.

Bar and restaurant owners say business has been slow as people tend to avoid recreational activities on Staten Island in inclement driving conditions.

"Every time it's snowed this winter, the bar has been dead," said Michael Cardella, co-owner of Bungalow 18 in Great Kills, noting business has decreased between 20 and 30 percent this last month.

"Sometimes my workers can't get in because of the snow, and then I have to hire alternate people ... Then, after the snow people are discouraged if there's no parking because of the snow piles taking up spots," he added, noting he's hoping for a good Presidents Day weekend.

In addition to going out at night, many people in a rush to get to work in the snow have been skipping their morning cup of Joe.

"In the winter there is normally a slowdown, but when the weather gets like this, it goes to a standstill," said Patricia Kraemer-Bruno, owner of Pattie's Deli and More, who says her business is down by 50 percent due to the snow.

"I mostly get people in the evening after work, because whoever doesn't work or isn't in work is staying at home," she added.